What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a general name given to the condition of not having enough red blood cells in the blood in the human body and is known as a subtype of anemia. The task of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to the human body and tissues in the body.

As can be understood from the name given in general, the cause of iron deficiency anemia is due to the amount of iron in the body being below normal values.

If the iron required for the human body is low in the body, the red blood cells become unable to produce hemoglobin, which helps them provide oxygen to the tissues that the body needs. As a result, the person feels tired, sluggish and generally experiences shortness of breath.

Iron deficiency anemia can be corrected by taking iron supplements, but in some cases, if there is internal bleeding, additional tests and treatment methods must be applied to correct iron deficiency anemia.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency symptoms are known as symptoms that occur when the iron mineral is below the required values in the blood.
We can say that there are two different types of iron deficiency symptoms. One is the symptoms of iron deficiency in the blood and the other is the symptoms that progress with anemia as a result of iron deficiency causing anemia.

• It is known that vitamins and minerals are very important for skin health. Due to iron deficiency, hair starts to break, becomes dry and loses its shine. Just like the hair, the skin becomes dry, pale, yellow and dull.
• Nails break and do not grow as a result of iron deficiency.
• One of the general symptoms of vitamin deficiencies is sores in the mouth. Sores in the mouth are also seen in iron deficiency. In addition to sores in the mouth, cracking of the lips may also occur.

Symptoms after iron deficiency causes anemia (iron deficiency anemia):

• Chronic fatigue and weakness.
• Chronic headaches occur.
• Problems with concentration.
• People with iron deficiency are constantly cold. Their body temperature is always low.
• Another symptom of iron deficiency is dizziness.
• With dizziness, the eyes may darken, fainting or frequent fainting may occur.
• Numbness may be felt in the hands and feet.
• Hair loss may occur.
• There is generally irritability.

Severe symptoms of iron deficiency;

• Feeling of palpitations in the heart
• Desire to eat ice or soil
• Restless leg syndrome, which is a certain psychiatric disorder
• Conditions such as slowdown in thyroid functions in the body are observed.

People with iron deficiency or people who experience such conditions should definitely go to a specialist and have a blood test.

Iron Deficiency Treatment

Iron deficiency is a condition that must be diagnosed by a specialist and a treatment plan must be made accordingly. In case of iron deficiency, in addition to giving importance to nutrition, the medications given by the specialist increase the chances of treatment in this regard. The drugs used should never be used together with milk and dairy products. At the same time, those taking iron deficiency medication should consume tea and coffee approximately one hour after taking the medication. When iron deficiency is controlled and treated by a specialist, it is usually beneficial and the iron deficiency problem is eliminated.

How People with Iron Deficiency Should Eat

• Vitamin C increases and facilitates the absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, we should consume products with vitamin C with our meals.
• We should take care that the products we use for cooking and storing meals are not products such as aluminum and steel.
• We should not overcook legumes and meat products. Overcooking these products reduces iron absorption.
• Continuously and frequently eating foods with pulp reduces the absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, we should reduce this type of nutrition a little more.
• We should not consume tea and coffee with meals.
• We should consume more green leafy vegetables.
• We should include foods such as molasses and eggs in our breakfast and meals.
• Consuming products such as dried fruits and apricots in snacks are foods that increase and support daily iron absorption.

When people with iron deficiency regulate their diet, the amount of iron in the blood usually increases and the symptoms of iron deficiency in the body gradually disappear. It is very important to eat a healthy diet to eliminate iron deficiency.

What Causes Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficiency can have more than one cause. These reasons are usually caused by malnutrition.

Conditions that cause iron deficiency;

• Wrong diet and nutrition
• Excess consumption of processed foods
• Folic acid and B12 deficiency
• Excessive menstrual bleeding in women
• Incorrect and inadequate intake of animal foods
• Early introduction of children to cow's milk instead of breast milk
• Excessive consumption of caffeinated products, coffee and tea

What Does Iron Deficiency Cause in the Body?

Iron deficiency reduces the production of red blood cells in the body and prevents the adequate transportation of oxygen to the tissues in the body. As can be understood from the tissues, this includes our cells and organs. Iron deficiency anemia makes the person weak and tired. Sometimes he cannot control his breathing even while talking and gets tired quickly. This situation can cause shortness of breath problems.

Iron Deficiency in Women

Ferritin, i.e. iron values in women vary according to age. The normal level in women is accepted as 20-200 ml/ng. The reason why it is lower in women than in men is due to the menstrual cycle they see every month. Iron deficiency in women is important. For this reason, the necessary blood tests can be performed and an appropriate treatment plan can be applied after a treatment plan is made together with the doctor. Laboratory tests and other treatment methods can be applied when necessary.

Iron deficiency in pregnant women

Women need more iron during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should pay more attention to their nutrition. A healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy is the healthiest way to prevent iron deficiency. If iron deficiency during pregnancy is still not at the desired level with a healthy diet, the necessary supplements are made by the doctor. After the necessary supplements are made, the current situation is monitored with regular checks every month. The person should never take supplements alone without consulting a doctor.